Newcastle in talks to sign England youth star as two teenage talents arrive on Tyneside

Newcastle United are looking to sign highly-rated Middlesbrough striker Ajay Matthews, according to reports.

Academy experts The Secret Scout reveal that Newcastle are one of several clubs to hold talks with the 18-year-old, who is expected to leave this summer after scoring 16 goals in 17 youth games and appearing twice in the Championship for Michael Carrick's first team.

It's believed Celtic, Rangers, Southampton, Brighton and Brentford have also been in discussions, leaving the England U18 international with a big decision to make over the coming weeks.

It's been a busy start to our summer recruitment at youth level. We exclusively revealed that Portsmouth talent CJ Afumuzor has signed after Newcastle fended off competition from Man Utd, Brighton and Aston Villa for the 14-year-old midfielder, while 16-year-old Everton centre-back Aaron Epia has also joined our Academy following a trial period.

Big changes are expected across all youth levels this summer, with a host of of Academy talents set to depart when their contracts expire this week. This includes Amadou Diallo, Michael Ndiweni, Will Brown, Jude Smith, Jordan Hackett, Matthew Bondswell, Lucas De Bolle, Kyle Crossley, Dylan Stephenson, Shaun Mavididi, Taylor Ross and Carter Milmore.

https://twitter.com/TheSecretScout_/status/1805161169117729263